LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have made provisions for star winger Alex Johnston to potentially join the new Papua New Guinea-based NRL team as its inaugural player.
Johnston recently signed a two-year extension with the Rabbitohs, ensuring his stay at the club until the end of 2027. This timeline aligns with the anticipated entry of the PNG team into the NRL in 2028.
Although formal negotiations with players will commence on November 1, 2026, reports from The Sydney Morning Herald indicate that Johnston may negotiate with the new team prior to that date if he opts to become their first signing.
Though born in Sydney, Johnston has played ten Test matches for Papua New Guinea since 2019 and remains an active part of the national squad. He is expected to represent Papua New Guinea in this year's Pacific Bowl tournament against the Cook Islands and Fiji, and he has already been recognized as a key target for the upcoming NRL franchise.